Watford FC: A Clueless Canadian at the Helm of the Golden Boys

retired_dobran4 · 12-15-2004, 06:24 AM

Forwards:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Hameur Bouazza, F C, 19 years old, French, Uncapped
Joined Club: May 2004 (from Watford FC Academy)
2003/04 Stats: Watford (Championship) 9GP (3 as sub), 1 goal
Career Stats: 9GP (3 as sub), 1 goal
Pacy with a solid work ethic, Bouazza already has fine finishing skills for a lad of 19 years. I’m already really deep at forward and may offer him on loan to further his development. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Gauthier Diafutua, S C, 18 years old, French, Uncapped
Joined Club: July 2004 (from Watford FC Academy)
2003/04 Stats: None
Career Stats: None
Another French striker, Diafutua has a fan in my reserves coach, who feels he deserves first-squad status. However, my other coaches feel he should be transfer listed. I’ll reserve judgement for later: in the interim, I plan on loaning him out to see if he develops further. He already possesses fantastic finishing skills. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Bruce Dyer, S C, 29 years old, English, 10 U21 Caps, 4 U21 goals
Joined Club: June 2003 (free transfer from Barnsley)
2003/04 Stats: Watford (Championship) 31GP (13 as sub), 3 goals
Career Stats: 380GP (70 as sub), 105 goals
Dyer is coming off a very disappointing season, scoring only three times. An academy graduate, Dyer transferred to Crystal Palace in 1994 where he starred for a number of years before going to Barnsley. My coaches admire his work ethic but I envision him as a third choice behind Webber and Helguson. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Scott Fitzgerald, S C, 24 years old, English, Uncapped
Joined Club: February 2003 (free transfer from Northwood)
2003/04 Stats: Watford (Championship) 44GP (16 as sub), 10 goals
Career Stats: 48GP (19 as sub), 11 goals
Fitzgerald led Watford in goal scoring last season but my coaches feel that he’s developed as much as he can and should be transfer listed. He has great pace and good work ethic but due to the fact I have good depth at the position, I’ll transfer list him and also make him available for loan. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Heidar Helguson, S C, 26 years old, Icelandic, 25 Caps, 2 goals
Joined Club: January 2000 (from Lillestrom for £1,500,000)
2003/04 Stats: Watford (Championship) 22GP (2 as sub), 8 goals
Career Stats: 179GP (39 as sub), 57 goals
Helguson is a firm fan and coaches favourite, showing great bravery in the box and always giving his all no matter the circumstance. A prodigious header of the ball with excellent ability as a target man, this Icelandic international will be heavily featured in the front two this season. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Jason Norville, F RC, 20 years old, Trinidad and Tobago, 2 Caps, 1 goal
Joined Club: February 2002 (from Watford FC Academy)
2003/04 Stats: None
Career Stats: 13GP (7 as sub), 1 goal
Norville shows control and finish from in close but is very injury prone, having missed the entire 2003 campaign. My scouts are divided regarding his ability, so I may loan him out and see if he develops with first-team touches. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Danny Webber, S C, 22 years old, English, Uncapped
Joined Club: July 2003 (from Manchester United for undisclosed fee)
2003/04 Stats: Watford (Championship) 27GP (3 as sub), 5 goals
Career Stats: 48GP (7 as sub), 9 goals
The popular and explosively talented Webber had his first full season with the Hornets overshadowed by the death of close pal and teammate Jimmy Davis on the eve of the 2003/04 season. Webber turned down Manchester Alex Ferguson’s three-year offer to rejoin Manchester United in order to further develop his career at Watford as a first-teamer. Webber has excellent first touch and close control skills and will team with Helguson up front on our attack. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Overall Thoughts
I’m already set as far as I’m concerned with my strikers, with Helguson and Webber getting the starting nods and Dyer providing backup support. I’ll retain one more guy for the reserve team and try to loan or sell the other players.

retired_dobran4 · 12-15-2004, 10:14 AM

Wednesday July 14, 2004:

Memo To: Graham Simpson, Chairman

Good afternoon Graham,

I just wanted to update you on my progress so far, first of all regarding the club's scouting. One of the scouts will exclusively be looking at our next opposition, providing reports on their tactics and personnel. I've allocated another scout to visit teams throughout the Championship division, giving us more in-depth knowledge of our future opponents. Finally, our top talent scout will scour the free transfer market looking for youngsters for our academy.

I've also setup a pre-season training schedule for the lads, incorporating a few little wrinkles to improve team chemistry, specifically an 11-a-side training match. This will certainly offset the cancelled friendly from Monday night.

Our first friendly takes place tomorrow night at Gay Meadow against Shrewsbury Town, a League Two club. Kevin Russell Hardwick, our advance scout, indicates they have a reasonable club with a pacy offensive line. Regardless, I plan to utilize a 4-4-2 formation and will implement an up-tempo, creative system to generate offense. My goal is to bring excitement to Vicarage Road this season!

Wish us luck!

Matt Bosela

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Hornets Prevail in Bosela’s Debut

Thursday July 15, 2004 (watfordfc.co.uk) -

A Danny Webber strike in the 26th minute was good enough to claim victory for Watford in manager Matthew Bosela’s debut against Division Two Shrewsbury Town.

The Hornets controlled play for the majority of the first half at Gay Meadow but had trouble generating good chances against a resolute Shrewsbury side. The breakthrough goal from Webber was beautifully setup by strike partner Heidar Helguson on a counter attack midway through the first half.

The second half saw both clubs employ their backups and the play that resulted proved to be decidedly second-rate, with non-existent tackling and poor finishing.

“It’s obviously a friendly, but I’m quite delighted to have squeezed out a victory in my first go”, Bosela proclaimed. “The lads looked rusty, to be sure, but I certainly am not upset with our defensive performance. You always will have a chance for victory when holding the opposition to a single shot on goal.” Bosela went on to say that “our practices are intensifying and the guys are becoming more familiar with each other every single day. The up-tempo style is new to them but we ultimately have enough talent to pull it off. It’s just a matter of clean execution, something that takes time to develop, something I’m sure will be there when the real season begins.” <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">FRIENDLYTHURSDAY JULY 15, 2004.FULL TIME FROM GAY MEADOW, SHREWSBURYShrewsbury 0Watford 1------------------------------------------------GOALS: Shrewsbury: None Watford: Danny Webber (26) ------------------------------------------------SHOTS ON TARGET:Shrewsbury: 1Watford: 6------------------------------------------------Attendance: 7967 Score at Half: 0-1Referee: Mark Warren Weather: Dry 29ºC</pre>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Watford vs. Gillingham Match Televised

Saturday July 17, 2004 (watfordfc.co.uk) -

The Championship match between Watford and Gillingham has been rescheduled for live television coverage.

The match will now take place on Sunday September 26, 2004. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Watford Boss Praises Quinn

Sunday July 18, 2004 (bbc.co.uk/sport) -

Taking time out from his busy schedule, Matthew Bosela took a moment to mention that Jimmy Quinn, manager of Shrewsbury Town, was doing a very good job and that Shrews fans were lucky to have him. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

On Tap Next Week:
Tuesday July 20, 2004: vs. Denizlispor (Friendly)
Saturday July 24, 2004: vs. Leverkusen (Friendly)

retired_dobran4 · 12-17-2004, 06:41 AM

Monday July 19, 2004:

Memo To: Graham Simpson, Chairman

Good evening Graham,

I hope you had a chance to catch the game last week. It was a bit rough but the win was well deserved.

Turkish Premier side Denizlispor will arrive at Vicarage Road for a game against us tomorrow night. Scout Kevin Hardwick believes their team is strong, with striker Ersen Martin leading their potent attack. To be honest, wins are great, but I'm using these friendlies as a means of getting our lads in playing shape. There were eight players who were not selected for the Shrewsbury game; all eight will see the pitch tomorrow night at some point.

Training is going very well; my staff have nothing but praise for every single member of the club, saying their dedication to the club is to be commended.

I'm looking forward to my first home contest. We'll see you at the Vic!

Matt Bosela

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Watford Tough Out Win Over Denizlispor

Tuesday July 20, 2004 (watfordfc.co.uk) -

Watford took advantage of two early goals to defeat Turkish Premier club Denizlispor 2-0 Tuesday night. The contest was fiercely contested, with hard tackling throughout; the Turkish side was booked five times in the match while the Hornets drew a solitary yellow.

The Golden Boys opened the scoring only five minutes in when Icelandic international Bryjnar Gunnarsson took a beautiful cross from young French striker Hameur Bouazza and struck a venomous shot into the left corner of the goal.

Nine minutes later, Bouazza's strike partner on the night, Scott Fitzgerald was fouled in the box and referee Nigel Miller awarded a penalty shot. Watford manager Matthew Bosela decided on Neil Ardley for the kick, and he would not let his boss down, nailing a beautiful strike into the right hand corner of the net to put the Hornets up 2-nil.

The Turkish side's interesting 3-2-3-2 formation allowed them to control possession ever so slighly but they never really challenged Watford keepers Alec Chamberlain and Richard Lee.

"I thought the boys were in fine form tonight.", exclaimed Bosela in the post-match comments. "We came out with vigor and really put them in a precarious position early in the contest with the two quick strikes. They're a club who favours short, controlled passes but our lads were very determined and wouldn't let them break us down." Bosela concluded by saying that he was thrilled with the "complete performance by all 22 players who took the pitch."

The Hornets are back in action at Vicarage Road on Saturday night against Leverkusen, a German First Division club. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">FRIENDLYTUESDAY JULY 20, 2004.FULL TIME FROM VICARAGE ROAD, WATFORDWatford 2Denizlispor 0------------------------------------------------GOALS: Watford: Brynjar Gunnarsson (5), Neil Ardley (14) Denizlispor: None ------------------------------------------------SHOTS ON TARGET:Watford: 4Denizlispor: 5------------------------------------------------Attendance: 7219 Score at Half: 2-0Referee: Nigel Miller Weather: Wet 18ºC</pre>

Wednesday July 21, 2004:

Memo To: Matthew Bosela

Good morning Matt,

I just wanted to let you know that I have been very impressed with Hull's 16-year old central midfielder Aaron Allanson and suggest you take a closer look at him.

I watched him play in Hull's 1-0 victory over Sunderland.

Frank Sibley, Chief Scout, Watford FC

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Watford - Leverkusen Friendly Cancelled

Friday July 23, 2004 (watfordfc.co.uk) -

The friendly match between Watford and Leverkusen has been cancelled due to a clash with the FC Bayern - Leverkusen fixture.

This German League Cup Semi-Final match takes place on Monday July 26th at a neutral site. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

On Tap Next Week:
Wednesday July 28, 2004: AT MANSFIELD TOWN (Friendly)

crazyvols@comca · 12-17-2004, 03:38 PM

I think what amuses me most about this is that I'm originally FROM Watford, and now an import Canadian...sounds like it was a trade.

retired_dobran4 · 12-18-2004, 08:53 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by spurzgrrl

I think what amuses me most about this is that I'm originally FROM Watford, and now an import Canadian...sounds like it was a trade.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Really?! Did you ever get to any games when you were there?

Why have you decided to support the Spurs? Blasphemy!

retired_dobran4 · 12-18-2004, 08:58 AM

Tuesday July 27, 2004:

Memo To: Matthew Bosela

Good afternoon Matthew,

I know our Chief Scout Frank Sibley has been praising young Hull City midfielder Aaron Allanson in his recent reports. I just wanted to let you know that I've had my eye on him as well and feel he has the potential to become a good footballer in the years to come.

Regarding our upcoming friendly with Mansfield City, I wanted to inform you that manager Keith Curle uses a direct 4-4-2 formation. I feel that they only have an average side and under normal circumstances wouldn't be able to compete with a team of our caliber. They do have a threat in striker Derek Asamoah.

Good luck tomorrow,

Kevin Russell Hardwick, Advance Scout, Watford FC

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Memo To: Graham Simpson, Chairman

Good evening Graham,

The preseason has gone exactly as planned, with the players training well and showing enthusiasm every day on the pitch. We have escaped without injury as well, knock on wood!

On the recommendation of two of our scouts, I’ve made an offer to Hull City for 16-year old midfielder Aaron Allanson in an effort to bolster our academy. I’ll let you know about my progress on this potential signing.

We play at Mansfield tomorrow night, an English League Two side. We will continue with our philosophy of rotating the players into action in an effort to get everyone ready for the Championship opener next weekend.

I’ll see you at Field Mill tomorrow.

Matt Bosela, Manager

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Watford Ride Stingy D to Victory

Wednesday July 28, 2004 (watfordfc.co.uk) -

Young striker Hameur Bouazza bagged a brace to lead Watford to a 2-0 triumph over Mansfield Town at Field Mill.

Bouazza's goals came only three minutes apart midway through the first half. The first goal came on a disastrous defensive breakdown from Mansfield, as they allowed a two man break between Bouazza and strike partner Heidar Helguson. Bouazza made no mistake in firing home a rocket into the bottom right corner of the net to make it 1-nil. The Hornets would strike again at 24 minutes, as defender Jack Smith sent a lovely ball down the right flank to winger Paul Devlin. Devlin took the ball and sent in a tremendous cross to a waiting Bouazza, who confidently headed the ball past beleaguered Mansfield keeper Luke Steele to make it 2-nil. Things soured a bit for the Golden Boys when former skipper Neil Cox went down at the 28 minute mark with an undisclosed injury.

The second half saw both teams struggle to put together offensive attacks, as Watford especially seemed more interested in defending their clean sheet rather than pushing forward for a third goal. Mansfield were unable to break the Hornets defense down for the entire match; in fact, they were unable to register a single shot on target.

“It was a quality performance from the entire club and I'm especially pleased the way the young lads are playing", proclaimed manager Matthew Bosela. "You expect good displays from the incumbents but I'm pleasantly surprised at the form of the young players who haven't had a taste of much first team football." Bosela went on to specifically praise the excellent play of both Bouazza and midfielder Jermaine Darlington, who was a constant threat for the 49 minutes he was on the pitch. "My only concern right now is the health of Coxy", Bosela said. "I'm just about to check with our physio on his status but I must confess things don't look promising at the moment."

Watford next takes to the pitch on Tuesday night at Nene Park in Irthlingborough, where they will face League Two side Rushden and Diamonds. This will be Watford's last game in preparation for their 2004/05 Championship opener against Coventry, which takes place the following Saturday. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">FRIENDLYWEDNESDAY JULY 28, 2004.FULL TIME FROM FIELD MILL, MANSFIELDMansfield 0Watford 2------------------------------------------------GOALS: Mansfield: None Watford: Hameur Bouazza (21, 24) ------------------------------------------------SHOTS ON TARGET:Mansfield: 0 Watford: 3------------------------------------------------Attendance: 9809 Score at Half: 0-2Referee: Andy Ford Weather: Dry 24ºC</pre>

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Memo To: Matthew Bosela

Good evening Matt,

I've conducted my post-match physical on defender Neil Cox and unfortunately, the news isn't good.

Neil has a torn groin and will likely miss a month of action. I'll advise you when he is capable of resuming training.

Luke Anthony, Physio, Watford FC

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Saturday July 31, 2004:

Memo To: Matthew Bosela, Manager, Watford FC

Good morning,

I would be willing to sell our young midfielder Aaron Allanson for a fee of £3,000 plus 50% of any future sale.

Let me know if you're still interested.

Peter Taylor, Manager, Hull City

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

Memo To: Peter Taylor, Manager, Hull City

Hi Peter,

Thanks for your quick reply. I would be willing to pay £1,000 for the rights to Allanson and will give you 10% of any future transfer for the player.

I look forward to hearing from you again.

Matthew Bosela, Manager, Watford FC

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Sunday August 1, 2004:

Memo To: Matthew Bosela

I just wanted to let you know that the Board of Directors still feel that we've made the right decision in hiring you to take over here at Watford.

We're pleased with your progress thus far. Continued good luck.

Graham Simpson, Chairman, Watford FC

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

On Tap Next Week:
Tuesday August 3, 2004: AT RUSHDEN AND DIAMONDS (Friendly)
Saturday August 7, 2004: AT COVENTRY CITY (Championship)

retired_vikkylj · 12-18-2004, 11:42 AM

Excellent start. Really enjoying your writing style.

mrsevans7177 · 12-18-2004, 01:46 PM

I love your style mate, kutgw

One tiny problem I have tho, the layout (i,e, the quotes) make the story a little bit bitty and difficult to read. Still, thats just my opinion.

As I said, kutgw

crazyvols@comca · 12-18-2004, 03:57 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>Originally posted by NoSkillz:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote">quote:<HR>_Originally posted by spurzgrrl_
I think what amuses me most about this is that I'm originally FROM Watford, and now an import Canadian...sounds like it was a trade.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Really?! Did you ever get to any games when you were there? Why have you decided to support the Spurs? Blasphemy!

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

My family had moved out of the city to Watford...they'd been North Londoners from way back.

retired_elizabethlacey · 12-20-2004, 01:47 AM

this is my fave story on the forum.brillianty written with lots of depth.plz keep it going as im lovin it.also bouazza is in great form maybe you should give him a chance in the first team as he has so far assisted 1 and scored 2 from 2 matches

Watford FC: A Clueless Canadian at the Helm of the Golden Boys

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Watford FC: A Clueless Canadian at the Helm of the Golden Boys